Karaka the Legend of Juno

By Michelle Williams

In the distant future, all of mankind will face the greatest threat it has ever known. The balance between good and evil will be tested, and the fate of the galaxy rests with a small group of displaced time travelers who are racing to figure out who they are and what they are supposed to do. Juno is a system on the verge of war with Nerin, a race of ultimate evil beings. They believe to end their suffering is the genocide of all mankind. The crew of the Star Dancer, having dealt with the Nerin in the past, becomes entangled with Juno and her people. It is now a race to save Juno and restore order before the Nerin attack and destroy the system.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Page Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Aug 28, 2019
• ISBN: 9781684565092

Michelle Williams

MICHELLE WILLIAMS is a Grammy Award–winning recording artist who rose to stardom as a member of the R&B mega-group Destiny’s Child, considered one of the best female music groups of all time. Her four successful solo albums include Heart to Yours; Do You Know; Unexpected, which spawned the internationally charted single, “We Break the Dawn”; and Journey to Freedom, which featured groupmates Beyoncé and Kelly Rowland on the single, “Say Yes.” Also a talented actress, she debuted on Broadway in Aida then went on to star in productions of The Color Purple, Chicago, What My Husband Doesn’t Know, and Fela! Today, Michelle is passionate about raising awareness around mental health.

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Karaka the Legend of Juno

Michelle Williams

Copyright © 2019 Michelle Williams and Lori Jansen

All rights reserved

First Edition

PAGE PUBLISHING, INC.

New York, NY

First originally published by Page Publishing, Inc. 2019

ISBN 978-1-68456-508-5 (Paperback)

ISBN 978-1-68456-509-2 (Digital)

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

For all the men and women who serve to protect this Nation, we dedicate this book to you.

Prelude

A voice whispered to the four winds, and the soul behind the soul stood on the highest point of Karaka, overlooking everything as it was in the beginning.

Children of the Light, hear my call…

Death is a doorway…

…Light of my life

Time is the key…

…Heart of my heart

Hope is the answer…

…Soul of my soul

Love will find a way…

…Blood of my blood

Prologue

Six hundred years from now, she would stand in the endless valley, overlooking the dead planet. It would be much different; there would be no life or soul, no rolling hills of green, and no clouds to block out the never-ending sunlight. Six hundred years in the future, she would find only death. She would take her brother’s hand and walk into her destiny, leaving behind the pain of life and death. Six hundred years from this day, the planet would come to life for the very first time and give back life to all of those who would call it home.

How did it all begin? What offering could bring a planet to life? Six hundred years from today, Angel would offer a dead planet the greatest gift of all, life. Time and reality would shift and alter the future for an ill-fated crew.

A lone blade would be the key; it would bite into her wrists and thighs. She would turn the blade on her brother and make four even cuts to match hers. Right wrist, the power of Earth; left wrist, the power of water; right thigh, the power wind; and finally the left thigh, the power of air. The two would fall into each other’s arms whispering the chant to bring life to even the dead, Death is but the doorway, time is the key, hope is the answer, and love will find a way.

They would lie on the blood-laced sands feeling their souls slipping away. Then as the final breath of life was fading from their bodies, they felt the first probes of a consciousness. Someone or rather something was taking their last day of life from them.

*****

What are you going do when we are through with this run? Angel asked as she slid the control chair into place.

I don’t know yet. I was thinking of taking a vacation. Maybe go home and see Mom and Dad. I’m not sure, but I have three months’ leave time, Kip answered as he flipped several switches over his head.

So do I, but I was thinking of going to Earth though, she said looking at the screen in front of her. Hey, do me a favor and scan the sector. It looks like we may have another ship in our path.

Kip turned his seat so he could look over the viewing screen. Scans show nothing. I don’t see anything out here, why?

Just a moment ago, I swear I saw something.

Your brain is mush. You have been out here too long. Why don’t you go see your family? I can handle this for now.

No, I’m cool. Besides, we only have four hours left on duty. Curve and Hope can wait just a little longer. She moved, looking at the screen again. There it is again.

Kip shifted in his seat looking at the screen, and this time, he saw the blips on the monitor. Looks like she is cloaked. Hold on, let me do a thermo scan.

Angel nodded once, moving her seat into the pilot position and locking it into place. Anything? she asked, looking back over her shoulder.

Angel, it looks like we have company. The scanner shows four ships, and the reading says they are Raider Class. What the hell are Raiders doing this far out. I thought this was a free zone.

It is, she said, turning to look out the cockpit window. "Unidentified ships, this is the UFC Derelict. Identify yourselves please."

Angel started flipping switches and pulled the yoke in front of her while she waited for her hail to be answered.

Ah shit! Kip called out, moving to the seat beside her. It looks like they are preparing to fire.

Damn it, I need power to shields and divert main control to me. We can outrun them. Plot a course toward that planet—we can use the magnetic disturbance to hide from their scans.

Kip was already diverting power to the shields as she barked out commands.

Red alert, she called out as the screen lit up with inbound missiles. This is not a drill! All hands to battle stations.

Impact in one minute, he called out, securing his body to the chair.

Options? she asked.

We could blow the cargo barge in tow. It would give us more time.

The ship jerked and buckled as the first missile hit the barge in tow. Angel was looking out the porthole to see the explosion. Kip, damn it I got to jet it. They’re gaining, and we’re never going make it. I’m blowing it now.

Angel, blow it! Now! Kip’s words finally echoed through the cockpit. He turned, looking out the porthole, and his face grew grim. He was launched forward as another explosion rocked the ship.

I can’t hold it, damn it! Pull up, pull up you beast! Angel screamed, trying to hold course.

Kip moved, taking the yoke with Angel, and pulled as hard as he could.

Can’t. Pull. Out, she cried as the ship hit the planet’s atmosphere at an odd angle. Angel was thrown forward, slamming her head on the console. She looked over to Kip as blood cascaded down her face. She jerked the controls one last time before the console above her head came crashing down. She was thrown from the chair, landing face-first on the floor, and from behind her, she could hear sounds of small explosions.

*****

Angel, wake up, come on, get up, Kip said, tapping her shoulder.

What happened? she mumbled, lifting her head. She couldn’t see through the smoke. She tried lifting her weight from the floor, but the pain prevented her from moving farther.

They’re all dead, Angel, Kip’s strained voice took hold, and he seemed to snap out of shock.

What, she was confused by his words. They couldn’t be dead. The ship could handle the crash. She looked back, half dazed, to see a long shard of metal sticking out the back of her leg.

We’re the only ones left. We plowed a trail over 1.2 miles long. Come on, you’re alive, and we need to get you out of here and make a base camp.

Kip, there were over two hundred souls onboard, she said in disbelief. Holy hell.

Don’t think about it, let’s just get you out of here. You look like you were broken pretty bad.

I have seen better days, she mumbled, watching him take hold of the shard. Her scream echoed through what was left of the cockpit before she passed out again from the pain.

When she finally came to, she was lying on her back under a canvas. Kip, Angel called out, searching for him. Several hundred yards before the tent was what was left of the ship. Angel’s heart sank and nearly stopped. The once-great ship was now splintered into thousands of smaller pieces. No one outside the cockpit could have survived. Looking at the shattered remains of the ship, she knew she was going to die here. She turned away from the carnage and held in the tears. Her husband, Curve, and her daughter, Hope, had been onboard. Her whole life ended in this moment scanning the sands.

Angel, good you’re awake.

Awake, aye, but I wish I wasn’t. Report, she said, not really wanting to hear the answer.

Everyone is dead, the radio doesn’t work, and the best I can tell, we are alone on this rock.

Go on, she said, closing her eyes.

We have enough water and food for a week, if we don’t push it.

What options do we have?

There are none as I can tell.

So we are stuck here, and there is no hope for us?

I’m sorry, sister, I can’t find any.

There was so much I wanted to show Hope. I wanted to take her to Earth and show her where we came from. I wanted her to see the sunrise from the Gulf Coast. I guess there is only one thing to do. Find us a place, somewhere where we can spend a quiet moment.

It is not your fault, sister. I had plans as well. I was going to ask Maggie to marry me. Do you remember when we got into this business? Do you remember the joke we used to have? The one about if we were ever stranded without hope, well, looks like it is no longer a joke. I will find us a cool place. I only wish we had more time together.

Me too, brother, she said, looking down taking his hand. "We had a good life, right?

Yes, we did. Rest now. I’ll be back soon enough.

*****

As the twins’ blood trickled down through the sands, the very core of the planet welcomed it. The offering was so pure it did not know how to handle the gift. The planet woke from a long slumber and did the only thing it could do. It spun with the life the twins offered. It took from them all that was good and virtuous, and learned what life was. The core spun faster and faster with each new memory until finally, a rift on the surface spread across the planet, sending the twins and the debris from the ship through time and space.

The planet looked out into the stars for the first time, knowing life would one day come back. The planet waited for the day the twins would once more walk upon the surface, bringing renewed life to it again.

Chapter 1

The Mines of Mars 3

Gragaron, there are so many topside. Nemus turned to address the leader, It looks like they are invading. What are we going to do? His voice caught the attention of everyone gathered.

An older man with day-old scruff walked through the crowd before stopping several feet in front of Nemus. His hand rose, slowly, silencing the whispers.

I am aware of the growing numbers topside. After careful thought and consideration, I think we should not jump to conclusions. We should hear what they have to say, and not interpret the Legion’s presence as a threat to us. I have already sent an envoy to meet with them and find out why they have come after all these years.

They are Legionnaries! We all know they do not come in peace! an angry voice echoed from the far end of the meeting hall.

Faith! Faith is what we need, he began. How can any of us be sure they are here to attack? We can’t! We can only go on what has transpired in years past. The Legion has not fought with us in many years. I strongly believe time is the key. Let’s give them time and talk with them, Gragaron said as he eased his hands to his side.

Maybe. Nemus glanced to the man to his left. But at the first sign of trouble, I will be the first to fight.

That is your right, Nemus, but I have a feeling that in the end, a solution will present itself in the calmest manner.

Many of the men nodded their heads and broke up into smaller groups. Again hushed voices began to fill the room with debate.

Gragaron spotted a figure entering the rear of the hall. Walking over to him, he rested a hand on his shoulder. It’s good to see you, old friend, Gragaron said, relief evident in his eyes. He turned around to address the crowd again.

This man is a loyal friend of the Mole-People. He has experience with the Legion, and we will hear him speak. Gragaron watched as all eyes turned to Mel.

Whatever the outcome of this visit, Mel began, we must keep in mind that Mars 3 was founded on the belief that there could be peace. Three hundred years ago, our forefathers came here from Juno. He nodded. They came from the very planet these men come from now. They are brothers and sisters to us. He walked among the people slowly. We should listen to all sides before we judge them. I have to agree with Gragaron. I don’t think these men are here for war. I think they come in peace, to negotiate a new contract. He walked through the crowd, touching a few people he knew rather well before returning to Gragaron’s side.

Nemus digested Mel’s words before knowing what he needed to say. His fear was too great to believe any of the words they were saying. He knew a war was coming; it was all he could see. By their words, he said as he motioned to Mel and Gragaron, it seems the plot has already begun. I think we should think of the future and the fight ahead. We cannot trust them! I say we have lived in the dark long enough.

Steady yourself, Nemus, Gragaron’s voice silenced the crowd. We have stood on this threshold before, many times over the years. People come here to trade with us, not to make war. I do not believe we should close the doorway too soon from our brethren. In times past, perhaps, the Legion may have taken from us, but now we offer the mine’s riches openly. There is no need to fight. Not yet. The leader of the Mole-People began to move around the room as he spoke. Fear is the true killer. As I look into your eyes, I see fear hiding in each of you. As your leader, I’m telling you we will wait.

Tell me, Gragaron, how you will protect us. His hand motioned to the crowd. Tell me the words you will use. Tell me about your acts of trade you will offer to protect us? His voice lowered, No. The time has come for us to make a stand! I will not have my son,—Nemus paused as he motioned to the small boy near the doorway—Dalicad, grow old in these mines and die as a slave in the service of the Legion.

Frustrated with Nemus’s attempt to undermine his rule, Gragaron paused to think of how to handle the questions. For over three hundred years, we have traded openly with Juno without loss of life. Why would they elect to invade now? No, I say let’s hear them out. Gragaron turned to the crowd, justifying his decision. Let us hear them out, let us see what they intend, and if it is slavery under the Legatee,—he balled his hand into a fist and raised it above his head—then I will take up arms against them and free our people.

Words! Nemus snapped. Nothing but hollow words from a man who fears bloodshed. I will stand no longer for these empty assurances of yours, Gragaron. Nemus turned and walked away from the crowd.

Mel motioned to the back of the room. Silently, the pair walked among the men and women until they were alone.

Why does he hate you so? Mel boldly asked.

After some thought, he finally knew how to answer. He is angry with me over the death of his wife. I believe he thinks I did not dispense enough justice.

What happened to Lilith?

There was a slide in the lower tunnels, and she was killed. Nemus is under the impression I knew the chamber was unsafe and still sent a crew down there. While it’s true I did know several of the shafts were weak, I did not know about Number Ten. I had been there days before inspecting, and my team did not find any flaws to the structures. Gragaron rubbed his forehead. If I had any clue it was about to cave in, I would never have allowed a single person into that area.

I see. Mel shook his head. They say time heals all wounds, he added as an afterthought.

I hope so, my friend. Otherwise, Nemus will be a thorn in all of our sides. Do you have time to visit, or are you off again?

I must be off. The Legatee wishes me to survey a small planet on the edge of Delta Quadrant. There are reports that tri-cap has been detected there. You know these science types of people always trying to find a better source of fuel. I sometimes think I’m Bradon’s personal go-boy.

Gragaron laughed. As I recall, you were the one who took the position as his Head of Scientific Research Department. Or was that someone else who looks and acts like you?

I could say it was my evil twin, but one of me is enough to keep up with. I bid you a fond farewell, my old friend. Mel touched Gragaron’s shoulder as he nodded. I don’t think you have anything to fear from the Legion. I bet you they will offer a nice settlement for the crystals.

I’m sure they will, they always do. Now if I can stay the peace until the contracts are signed. He shook Mel’s hand. Please don’t be a stranger to us here. Zeal misses you and those crazy stories.

Tell her the next time I come, I’ll bring her something.

She’ll be mad she didn’t see you, but I’ll relay the message. Promise me you won’t bring her any more pets.

Pets? Mel feigned an innocent look. I can’t promise what I’ll find out there, but I’ll keep in mind the incident of the Ariana Lizard.

Good journey, my friend, Gragaron called out.

*****

Zeal looked into a pool of water admiring her reflection. Lirpa had made her a new outfit, and she was tickled by the way it looked. She didn’t feel eight years old anymore; instead, she felt like one of the older children. She knelt beside the pool to look closer. A small amber-colored crystal caught her attention. Amber was the most precious of the gems they mined.

What are you doing? a strange voice broke the silence.

Zeal quickly hid the stone in her pocket. She recognized the uniform the young man was wearing. He was from the Legion and as far as she could tell, much older than her. I’m not doing anything. You know you shouldn’t be down here alone. The shafts aren’t safe in places. Are you lost?

He smiled. No, I’m not lost. I was exploring the cave system when I saw you. What were you doing? the young man asked, peeking over her shoulder to the pool of water as though it held some interest to him. He took several steps toward the water’s edge.

I wasn’t doing anything, not really anyways. I come here sometimes to be alone. This is my private place. Zeal rocked on her toes. My father lets me come down here sometimes.

It’s quiet here. He nodded in agreement with her. I’ll have to tell my dad about this cavern.

Who’s your father? Zeal asked on impulse. She was quite impulsive at times. Her father said she would one day outgrow the incisive questioning.

You wouldn’t believe me if I told you. No one ever believes me. The older boy sounded sad and distant, a world away with his statement, as though speaking to someone far away.

How do you know I wouldn’t unless you tell me?

The young man knelt at the edge of the pool, not answering her question. What are those?

Zeal stepped closer to look into the water. Those are systal deposits. That’s what we mine here. If you look closer, you’ll see different shapes and colors. Some are blue, some are green, some are even amber, but most are clear like that. The clear ones are the most mined. The amber ones—she reached into her pocket—like this one are the rarest of them all. She opened her palm to show it to him.

Gently taking it from her hand, he studied it. It’s beautiful. It almost looks like a rosebud.

Zeal studied it again. Sometimes when they cut through the rock, the lasers make funny shapes. I know my uncle has made many animal shapes for me when I was younger. But I don’t think I have ever seen anything like this.

It is a unique and wonderful treasure. But the older boy’s eyes were on the young girl, thinking the same thing of her as well.

Zeal couldn’t help but look at the boy. She felt some connection to him. It was a different feeling; it was almost as though they had been friends for a long time. Here, I want you to have it. I’m sure I’ll find another one.

I couldn’t take this, he offered, motioning his hands in front of her.

It’s a custom among the Mole-People to exchange gifts when meeting a new friend. So please take it.

It would be wrong of me not to, he finally said. It is very pretty. Thank you, Miss?

She could have laughed at herself. In all the time they were talking, she never once said her name. I’m Zeal. It’s my pleasure to meet you.

I’m—

What are you doing in here? a stern male voice broke the conversation.

Zeal looked over her shoulder to her Uncle Palin. She felt her cheeks turning red. Uncle, we were just looking at the systal shards in the pool.

Palin walked closer. He has seen the young man earlier in the day with the emissaries from the Legion. He was supposed to be on tour with the group, and it concerned him the boy was now on this level with no escort.

Zeal, I think it’s time you head home. Your father must be looking for you by now. It’s late. He didn’t leave her any choice. It was an order to go home.

But, Palin, she started to protest. Yes, sir, she reluctantly said before turning to her new friend. It was nice to make your acquaintance, and I hope we will meet again in the future as friends. Zeal bowed her head and quickly left the chamber.

She knew her uncle would tell her father about finding her deep in the mine. She was going to be in trouble.

Palin waited until Zeal had left before turning to the young man. You shouldn’t be in here, Marko. This chamber isn’t safe. He looked to the roof and then quickly around the walls. I’ll take you back to the group. I trust my niece didn’t bother you much?

Palin, I have to say she was a refreshing change after listening to the talks earlier. I can’t place it, but she reminds me of someone.

I wouldn’t presume to know who that could be. I will say she is a handful at times.

All I will say is that she has the makings of a great politician.

How is that?

She offered me this. He removed the stone from his pocket and showed it to Palin.

Palin stopped walking and inspected the gem. Zeal seems to have an understanding beyond her years. This is a great gift she has given you. Amber is the highest quality of systal.

I know. She told me earlier. I have a feeling the talks tomorrow will go well, he added, replacing the stone.

Have you spoken to your father recently?

Not yet, but I plan to just as soon as I get back topside. Darius sent me a message that Bradon requests my presence as soon as I get done with the tour. I actually left the tour to head back when I got lost.

I’m glad I came along when I did. Otherwise, you would have been there all evening. Palin laughed, thinking about Zeal and her persistent questioning. If she had known who the young man was, she would have detained him all night long.

Ah, here we are. Palin opened a door for Marko. You can follow this shaft straight to the landing dock. I look forward to seeing tomorrow, Marko.

Thank you for your help, Palin. He started to walk away when he turned around. One question before I go. This gift Zeal gave me…what would I give her in return to honor the friendship?

There is nothing on this world that would equal this gift. If you wish to match it, you should keep the friendship between you open and honest. Now I must attend to some last-minute business before tomorrow. Palin bowed his head and walked down a secondary shaft.

*****

Bradon was sitting at his desk as the moonrise started. He had been distracted from his nightly duties and was awaiting the return of his son. He walked to the window overlooking the courtyard below when he heard footsteps behind him.

Marko joined Bradon at the window.

Bradon laid his hand on his son’s shoulder. There is a slight problem growing among the stars, and we will level it, Marko. I’m entrusting you to attend to Mars 3 and learn of its ways. Not as my son, but as a Legionnaire. I’m sending my Huttan with you tomorrow. If you ever wish to lead the people, you must first understand the people. Bradon watched as the moon settled in the night sky. This trip will allow you to understand what we are dealing with. Keep in mind, not everything is as it appears. In life, you find deceit and trickery at all junctions.

Bradon knelt so he was the same height as Marko. His once carefree face took a stern look. There has been a plot to kill me. I will not stand for this. I take threats upon my life or the life of Juno very seriously. He placed a hand on either side of Marko’s face. The only thing important to me is the mines. There is nothing else on this moon that matters to me or to Juno. Do you understand?

Marko